Cheesy Garlic Chicken Spaghetti in Velvety Cream Sauce

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, this Cheesy Garlic Chicken Spaghetti in Velvety Cream Sauce will quickly become a family favorite. It combines tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This dish is not only indulgent and satisfying but also quick enough for a weeknight dinner while still being elegant enough for guests.

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) spaghetti
1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, following package directions. Drain, drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces along with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Slowly pour it into the skillet while whisking until the sauce thickens (about 2–3 minutes).

5. Add the Cheeses

Reduce heat to low. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and velvety.

6. Combine Everything

Return the cooked spaghetti and chicken to the skillet. Toss with tongs until the pasta is fully coated and the chicken is nestled into the sauce.

7. Final Touch

Let the dish simmer gently for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend together. Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad on the side.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Pasta swap: Use fettuccine, linguine, or penne instead of spaghetti.
Lighter version: Replace heavy cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half.
Extra flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
Cheese boost: Mix in cheddar or smoked gouda for a richer taste.

Health Benefits

Chicken provides lean protein that supports muscle health.
Cheese is rich in calcium for strong bones.
Garlic boosts immunity and heart health.
Pasta supplies energy through complex carbohydrates.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Yield & Nutrition

Servings: 6
Calories: ~680 per serving

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Cook the spaghetti fresh, then toss everything together before serving.

2. Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based pastas don’t freeze well. Instead, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk.

3. Can I make it without Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely! You can replace Cajun seasoning with Italian herbs or keep it simple with just salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. How do I prevent the sauce from getting grainy?
Make sure to add cheese over low heat and stir constantly until melted.